Boikanyo Makhafola, Madison Gordon, Lunathi Mfanta and Jessica Scott have been named the 2024/25 winners of the Young Designer Competition by Something Good Studio.
Now in its latest form, the YDC looks a little different. It’s the first edition since Something Good Homeware and Romaria Knitwear officially merged, which means the winning designs will be adapted across both homeware and knitwear. More mediums, more reach, and more ways to bring bold new ideas to life.
The competition is as much about entrepreneurship as sound design. Some of the winning work is already being produced and sold, both locally and internationally and more products rolling out throughout the year. The goal? To help young creatives turn their vision into something tangible (and sustainable) and to see it stocked and sold worldwide.
This year’s winning designs speak to identity, storytelling and transformation. Each one holds meaning beyond the surface, from personal histories to cultural symbols, all woven into blankets, throws, and knits that are made to be used, shared, and loved.
Meet the Winners
Boikanyo Makhafola: Design as alignment
Boikanyo Makhafola works with intention. Trained in interior design, he sees design as a tool for alignment between space, people and purpose. His work centres African ideas of wisdom and wellbeing.
His two winning designs reflect that: Grace of Giants honours the strength and stillness of African elephants, while Rebone, meaning “we saw a goodness” in Sesotho, reimagines map lines into a modern, gridded textile. Each one speaks to memory, movement and the future.
South Africa’s heritage and tradition aren’t limited to influence for me —they are an endless source of design intelligence, the exercise for me is finding the best way to apply it. – BOIKANYO MAKHAFOLA
Madison Gordon: Drawing joy from the wild
Madison Gordon brings bold illustration and a sense of humour to her design work. With roots in graphic and motion design, she approaches her craft like storytelling: playful, layered, and grounded in culture.
Her winning piece, Crazy Creatures, is inspired by South African wildlife and ancient rock art. It’s fun and full of character, but there’s depth too and a reflection on how South Africans face hardship with satire and shared strength. It’s a blanket that makes you smile, but also makes you think.
South Africa has such a unique and vibrant culture, but the one aspect that has heavily affected my designs is the way we face our struggles with a sense of humour, playfulness and unity. – MADISON GORDON
Lunathi Mfanta: A sacred mountain, reimagined
Lunathi Mfanta is no stranger to the YDC. This is his second win. His work crosses over jewellery, textiles and visual storytelling, often pulling from ancestral knowledge and sacred geometry.
His latest design, Gadiya Mountain, pays tribute to the mountain near his home village in the Eastern Cape. The sharp, geometric shapes echo the mountain’s silhouette and spiritual power.
Community plays a vital role in my design work and career, offering support, encouragement, and valuable resources. It provides a platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and different perspectives. – LUNATHI MFANTA
Jessica Scott: Finding strength in circles
Jessica Scott’s work is gentle but purposeful. Her design, Full Circle, reflects on life’s cycles — growth, setbacks, and the people who hold us up along the way. It’s a celebration of community, connection, and personal evolution.The pattern uses circles, space and rhythm to explore movement, connection and emotional resilience.
Jessica almost didn’t submit her entry. Fresh out of university and unsure of her style. But a nudge from a close friend changed that. Now her work is part of a national collection. Quiet courage, turned into something tangible.
My design, Full Circle, is all about the people who stick with you when you’re figuring things out. It’s a tribute to how the right circle of support can help you go from second-guessing yourself to feeling unstoppable. – JESSICA SCOTT
Find out more about the competition.
